Cook - NHS - Band 3

Blue Arrow; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering recruitment agency is seeking experienced Cooks to join hospital catering teams in Newcastle. This full-time/part-time role involves preparing nutritious meals for patients and staff in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have experience in high-volume catering and be ready to meet food safety standards. The role offers regular hours and ongoing training opportunities.

Benefits

Regular hours and rota-based shifts

Ongoing training and development

Opportunities for permanent roles

Qualifications

• Must have experience in high-volume catering environments.
• Capable of meeting tight deadlines with quality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals to NHS standards.
• Ensure timely delivery of meals to patient areas.
• Cook for events and special functions.

Skills

Experience in high-volume catering

Ability to work under pressure

Understanding of dietary requirements

Knowledge of food safety standards

Job description

Hours: Full-time and Part-time roles available

Start Date: Immediate start - roles available until January 2026

Contract Type: Temporary with potential for permanent opportunities

Salary: Band 3 - £13.60 standard, £17.22 nights and Saturdays, £21.55 Sundays and bank holidays

About the Role

We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic Cooks to join our clients busy hospital catering teams in Newcastle. This is a high-volume, fast-paced role where your contribution directly supports patient care and staff wellbeing.

You will be responsible for preparing and cooking meals for:

• Patients, staff, and the general public
• Special functions and buffets
• An external nursery located on-site

Key responsibilities include:

• Cooking and plating meals to NHS standards
• Exercising judgement on portion control, uptake, and food wastage
• Ensuring timely plating and delivery to patient areas
• Supporting catering for events and functions

You’ll be working in an environment that serves approximately:

• Breakfast: 750 people
• Lunch: 1,100 people
• Dinner: 750 people

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have experience in high-volume catering
• Can work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Understand dietary requirements and food safety standards
• Are willing to complete mandatory training and follow compliance protocols
• Pass a Basic DBS check
• Provide employment history back to school leaving age
• Provide 5 years of address history

Benefits of Working With Us

• Be part of a team that makes a real difference in healthcare
• Enjoy regular hours and a rota-based shift pattern
• Gain early access to permanent NHS roles
• Receive ongoing training and development
• Work in a supportive and inclusive environment

Interested in joining a team that cooks with care and purpose?

Apply today and help us deliver nutritious meals that support recovery and wellbeing.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.